Tag Archives: gluten free

This is a tiny old-fashioned candy shop full of candy you love, candy you’ve never heard of and candy you probably can’t figure out how to pronounce. But you’re going to love it. You might leave this store with bags… or pounds… of candy, but it’s okay, because you’re going to be really happy and nostalgic… and it’s all very high quality. Every candy you remember from your childhood – and didn’t believe was still in existence – is alive and well at The Sweet Shop.

Why it’s worth it: It’s everything you could possibly want in one storefront: a candy store and an ice cream shop. There is something for everyone here, from super modern ice cream and gelato flavors to retro sweets, including sugar, nut and gluten free items.

Vibe/layout: The shop has whimsical boutique-y vibe to it that makes it a gem on the UES, a downtown-y shop magically transported uptown. Outfitted in all things candy, including a handmade candy chandelier (by the owner) and a commissioned candy mirror, The Sweet Shop is decked out from ceiling to floor in personality.

Ideal meal: Everything.

Sweets: Jars of chocolate covered bacon and Oreos, sour watermelon and designed marshmallows, in addition to imported sweets from England and Sweden

People behind the ‘straunt: This shop is owned and operated by family man, Kelly Jamie, who makes all the in-house goods, his wife, Glyn, who designed the shop, and their son, Matt, who works and socializes by his parents’ sides.

F.Y.I.: This is more than just a candy shop; this is a home base. So much so, that one man, who consistently gets in “trouble” from his significant other for sneaking down to the candy store for an evening snack, proposed to his fiancé in the shop! …We should also mention that 3KT (Terese Giudice’s daughters’ band) featured this shop in their music video Season of Joy.

Why it’s worth it: The perfect day in Manhattan consists of brunching and shopping…in Soho of course. If you’re looking for a pretty restaurant serving pretty food to pretty people, and more specifically, a charming, market-to-table venture, with an adjacent vintage cocktail bar, we’ve got you covered: Chalk Point Kitchen.

Vibe/layout: This 70-seat ‘straunt bolsters the country-in-the-city scheme, in an airy and lush space with white-washed wooden plank walls lined with vintage mirrors and tchotchke-packed shelves. The farmhouse feel of CPK complements the locally sourced and organic menu; however, the most defining aspect of CPK is its downstairs bar, the Handy Liquor Bar, which is a classic, sophisticated and timeless cocktail bar with a fun twist: a fireplace and every 90s childhood game you can think of… yes we’re talking Hungry Hungry Hippos and Operation.

Ideal meal…brace yourself: Start with smashed avocado on toast ($6) & homemade blueberry muffins ($6); feast on the banana croissant french toast ($11); wash it all down with the Collect Pond ($13), a refreshing mixture of pear vodka, St. Germaine, apple juice and ginger beer

F.Y.I.: The full-fledged piano bar below CPK, the Handy Liquor Bar, is named after Thomas Hardy, one of the first expert barmen in the US in the 1800s.

People behind the ‘straunt: Nightlife operator Matt Levine (Sons of Essex) and Michelin-starred chef Joe Isidori (Arthur on Smith) teamed up to open CPK, one of our favorite brunch spots in the city.

Why it’s worth it: Although the name of this casual eatery promises lunch, Friedman’s Lunch also serves brunch and dinner with a focus on seasonal comfort food and an extensive list of great gluten-free items.

Vibe/layout: Despite the noisy neighborhood, the ‘straunt is clean, modern and spacious and the atmosphere is warm and cozy . The ‘straunt sports a rustic, brick-and-wood theme with a large bar and a number of booths and table seats available for large groups.

People behind Friedman’s Lunch: Vanessa Phillips and Tryg Silverson are the husband and wife team behind this ‘straunt and because Vanessa has Celiac Disease, Tryg set out to create as many gluten-free, yet delicious, dishes as possible.

Why it’s worth it: This relaxing yet stylish spot serves delicious, fresh and local southern inspired food, not to mention the best cinnamon buns we’ve ever had. Hundred Acres is a great spot for grabbing brunch with family and friends.

Vibe/layout: This ‘straunt has three rooms: the spacious front dining room boasts large French doors that open to the street; the middle room is filled with over sized photographs expanding the space to feel like a vast farm-house; the back room is a charming garden that makes you feel like you are in your own backyard.

Why it’s worth it: Tucked away a few steps below street level, you’ll find The Smile, a hybrid general store and cafe; however, no one goes to The Smile to shop; they go to eat in the artfully rustic atmosphere.

Vibe/layout: With the music low and the tone conversational, this dimly lit, wood-ceilinged space emits a charming and tavernesque feel that is perfect for a meal with friends, family or a date. In addition, this ‘straunt is great for GF and vegetarian foodies!

People behind The Smile: The owners, Carlos Quirarte and Matt Kliegman, are the duo behind the Jane hotel ballroom and Westway and the chef, Melia Marden, is a Harvard grad and also the daughter of the art-world power couple Brice and Helen Marden.

Why it’s worth it: If you’re craving Italian on the UWS, Pappardella is a great, consistent, classy, family spot. I’m not usually an eggplant gal, but Pappardella’s eggplant was melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Vibe/Layout: This open and charming ‘straunt features twenty-foot ceilings, French doors and a beautiful mural of Florence. White table cloths and wooden chairs are only background details to the fresh homemade pasta that will blind side you.

Why it’s worth it:Tipsy Parson is an adorable and charming Southern gem buried in the big city, perfect for friends, family or a date!

Vibe/Layout: This long, narrow ‘straunt has a beautiful marble-and-dark-wood bar taking up much of the space in the front, with a candle-lit dining room with smaller wooden tables and booths in the back. The small details of this establishment, including the bookshelf wallpaper and cushion window seats near the bar and the dark wooden tables set with mismatched flowered china, old-fashioned silver and farmhouse dish towels as napkins in the back, are what give Tipsy Parson its vintage charm.

Straunt tip: Grab a drink before or after at the nearby speakeasy, Bathtub Gin, or the hidden bar below Chelsea Market, The Tippler!

F.Y.I.: Partners and owners, Julie Wallach and Tasha Gibson designed the space, worked on the build-out themselves and provided many of the featured knickknacks. This is their second ‘straunt, after Little Giant.